Democrats are once again playing the race card to shield one of their own from scrutiny over alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
This time, they are defending Dominic Ng, CEO of East West Bank and Biden’s appointee to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), against accusations of being linked to CCP intel front groups.
Ng’s alleged connections were exposed by the Daily Caller News Foundation, which has also uncovered similar ties involving several Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Judy Chu of California.
As the DCNF reported, Ng served as “executive director” at both the China Overseas Exchange Association (COEA) and the China Overseas Friendship Association (COFA), which experts have identified as Chinese intelligence fronts.
Six Republican lawmakers, led by Rep. Lance Gooden of Texas, have urged the FBI to investigate Ng’s alleged CCP ties. But instead of addressing the substance of the allegations, Democrats have resorted to ad hominem attacks and identity politics.
In a joint press release on Chu’s website, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), including Chu, accused the Republicans of singling out Ng due to his ethnicity and using findings from “extreme-right” outlets.
They also implied that the suspicions were racially motivated and unjustified, saying “no Chinese Americans — indeed no Americans — should face suspicions of disloyalty or treason based on their ethnicity, nation of origin, or that of their family members.” The press release was also signed by Reps. Ted Lieu and Mark Takano of California and Grace Meng of New York.
However, the Democrats’ defense of Ng and their allegations of racism ring hollow in light of the DCNF’s investigations into their own ties to CCP intel front groups.
As the DCNF previously reported, Chu served as the “honorary chairwoman” for an organization opposing Taiwan’s independence, which the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission identified as a front group of the United Front Work Department, one of the CCP’s overseas influence operations.
The DCNF also found that since 2012, Chu has served as the “honorary president” at the All-America Chinese Youth Federation, which has included individuals who belonged to alleged UFWD front groups. In addition, Chu gave certificates of “Congressional Recognition” to at least 10 individuals who belonged to alleged CCP intel groups and made political donations to her.
The Democrats’ double standard on Chinese influence in American politics is alarming and dangerous. While they accuse the Republicans of racism and witch-hunts, they themselves have cozy relationships with organizations that serve as proxies for the CCP’s agenda.
This is not only a matter of personal integrity but also a national security issue. The CCP’s strategy of using “friendly” organizations to infiltrate and influence foreign countries, including the United States, is well-documented and should not be ignored or dismissed as mere partisan politics.
In conclusion, the Democrats’ defense of Ng and their attacks on the Republicans are hypocritical and unwarranted. The allegations of his ties to Chinese intel front groups should be investigated thoroughly and objectively, without regard to political affiliation or ethnicity.
Americans deserve to know if their public officials have any conflicts of interest or compromised loyalties that could jeopardize their safety and sovereignty. The Democrats’ denial and deflection only serve to further erode trust in our institutions and democratic processes.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.